All-Star Game MVP Award
ML - Miguel Baerga, New Orleans Hurricanes (1)
ML - Omar DeJesus, Santa Fe Flames (2)
ML - Brandon Coco, Toledo ****smins (3)
ML - Raul Colon, New York Metropolitans (4)
ML - Alex Baxter, St. Louis Ferrignos (5)
Home Run Derby Champion
ML - Mandy Liniak, Huntington Dark Knights (1)
ML - Dweezil Hackman, Austin Nitsua (2)
ML - Miguel Brogna, Hartford Huskies (3)
ML - J.J. Koch, Norfolk Tides (4)
ML - Kevin Durocher, Tucson Terrors (5)
Futures Game MVP Award
ML - Chad Hatcher, Boise Pomme Frittes (1)
ML - Willie Rooney, Tucson Terrors (2)
ML - Pedro Perez, Santa Fe Flames (3)
ML - Jose Mercedes, New York Metropolitans (4)
ML - Carl Butler, Tucson Terrors (5)
Most Valuable Player Award
AL - Theo Cardona, Trenton Thundercats (1)
AL - Raul Coronado, New Britain Nut Busters (2)
AL - Dennys Song, Hartford Huskies (3)
AL - Morgan Keller, Santa Fe Flames (4)
AL - Lefty Spencer, Hartford Huskies (5)
NL - Joshua Christenson, Salem Simcoe Hopheads (1)
NL - Dennys Lee, Montgomery Rebels (2)
NL - Jeff Haynes, Richmond Spitting Spiders (3)
NL - Johnny Kirwin, Jacksonville Dolphins (4)
NL - Kevin Durocher, Tucson Terrors (5)
Cy Young Pitching Award
AL - Kevin Felsen, Oklahoma Sooners (1)
AL - Ted Burns, Boise Pom Frittes (2)
AL - Ted Burns, Boise Pom Frittes (3)
AL - Ricardo Armas, Boise Pom Frittes (4)
AL - Al Houck, Boise Pom Frittes (5)
NL - Ben Allen, Richmond Spitting Spiders (1)
NL - George Carter, Jackson Senators (2)
NL - Otis Boyer, Salem Simcoe Hopheads (3)
NL - Thomas Shaw, Minnesota North Stars (4)
NL - Thomas Shaw, Minnesota North Stars (5)
Rookie of the Year Award
AL - Harry Ibanez, Hartford Huskies (1)
AL - Fred Gil, Colorado Springs Rockies (2)
AL - Oswaldo Santiago, New Britain Nutbusters (3)
AL - Jose Siqueiros, Augusta Fur Traders (4)
AL - Wesley Ross, Rochester Reign (4)
AL - Bret Ramsey, Rochester Reign (5)
NL - Ernest Jackson, Tacoma Rainiers (1)
NL - Hong-Jin Fujiwara, Scranton Sweaty Scrotes (2)
NL - Kevin Durocher, Tucson Terrors (3)
NL - David Tamura, San Juan Mojitos (4)
NL - George Davenport, Minnesota North Stars (5)
Fireman of the Year Award
AL - Jeremy Rigdon, Boise Pom Frittes (1)
AL - Yuniesky Castilla, Syracuse Stars (2)
AL - Diego James, Las Vegas Aces (3)
AL - Don Duffy, Santa Fe Flames (4)
AL - Don Duffy, Santa Fe Flames (5)
NL - Thumper Harrison, Tacoma Rainiers (1)
NL - Thumper Harrison, Tacoma Rainiers (2)
NL - Dizzy Hooper, Montgomery Rebels (3)
NL - Thomas Shaw, Minnesota North Stars (4)
NL - Thomas Shaw, Minnesota North Stars (5)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
NL North Draft Review - Season Four (Special to the ABU Blog - crabman26)
Cincinnati: Grade D+
In my opinion, Cincy did not do well in this draft. Their first round pick was a great one, and that is the only reason they did not get an F. They wasted a 2nd round pick, and the only other decent player out of the first 5 rounds they got was an okay reliever.
1st round (pick 10) – Eugene Ross
Projection: #1 Starter
Ross is a solid first round pick for Cincy, he has superb “control” and great “vs lefties” ratings, along with a great “GB/FB ration” rating. He also boasts 1 great pitch, and 3 above average pitches which should help him fit in as a #1 pitcher in the coming years for Cincy. The only negative on Ross is his “vs Righties” rating, which at a projected “65” will keep him from becoming a true ace in this league.
2nd round (pick 62) – Sandy Wathan
Projection: ML Utility/ Bench player
Not much to say about Wathan, other than he will probably sit on the bench or stew in AAA most of his career. With above average “range” and “glove” ratings he will be somewhat useful to rest the starters. He has a slightly above average “vs Righty” rating and an above average “batting eye” so I am guessing he will primarily be used to pinch hit if he makes the bigs.
3rd round (pick 94) – Garland Henry
Projection: Setup
With above average “durability” and great “control” to go along with average “splits”, a superb #1 pitch and an above average 2nd pitch, Henry should be a good Setup B, possible Setup A reliever for Cincy. A good value pick in the 3rd round.
4th & 5th rounders – nothing of note
Minnesota: Grade B
Reyes, Kieshnick, McFeely, and Uribe will all contribute at the ML level, with Reyes likely headed for the All Star game. They got great value by selecting Uribe in the 5th round, who if given playing time could slug 40 HR’s for any team. So 1 great player, plus 3 other useful MLers adds up to a good draft for Minnesota.
1st round (pick 3) – Ricardo Reyes
Projection: 2b
With the 3rd pick in the draft, Minnesota possibly drafted the best position player in this draft. Reyes has superb “range” and “glove” ratings to go along with superb “speed”. He also has great ratings across the board offensively. He should be an All-Star in this league and may win a gold glove or two. His big downside is his “durability”, he will not be able to play a full 162 game schedule and will have to be used wisely so he does not tire out by the end of the long season.
2nd round (pick 55) – Dwight Kieshnick
Projection: Setup
With superb “control” and “vs righty” ratings Kieshnick should be a solid reliever in this league. He also has a great “vs lefty” rating as well. With those splits and control ratings he should be a closer…but he is not. He has very low “velocity” and GB/FB” ratings, and only one above average pitch, thus keeping him from becoming a dominant reliever. Should be solid, but may have some trouble as well getting out ML hitters with those pitches.
3rd round (pick 87) – Bruce McFeely
Projection: Setup
Above average “control” to go along with average splits and a very good pitch likely means that McFeely will be a setup B type pitcher in this league. He has low “GB/FB” and “velocity” ratings, which are keeping him from becoming a solid reliever. Like Cincy, Minnesota picking McFeely in the 3rd round is another good value pick for this round.
4th & 5th rounders – JJ Hargrave (4th round) would have been a great value pick as a useful ML utility player, but he did not sign. Kirt Uribe is great value as a 5th rounder with superb power (projected 100) and average splits. Should be a decent power hitter in the bigs if given playing time.
St Louis: Grade B+
Why such a high grade when they didn’t really draft any star players you ask? Simple, they drafted very solidly and had some great value picks in the late rounds. They have 2, possibly 3, future pitchers to make the rotation, plus solid positional guys that have value at the ML level.
1st round (pick 11) – David Baxter
Projection: #2 or #3 Starter
Baxter is a solid pickup at the 11 spot for St Louis, a guy with great “control”, above average “vs righty”, above average “velocity”, and a very good 1st pitch. The things keeping him from being a #1 starter are his average “vs lefties” rating to go along with a low “GB/FB” rating, and Baxter has an average 2nd pitch to go along with 3 below average pitches. He may even be more suited as a #3 starter as I am typing this…
1st round (supplemental pick 42) – Tony Payne
Projection: #4 or #5 Pitcher
Payne has one good pitch, with slightly above average “control”, and “splits”. He also has 2 average pitches. This is the definition of a #4 or #5 pitcher in my mind, someone who will be solid at times, and struggle at others. His “control” is holding him back from being a solid pitcher.
2nd round (pick 63) – Kent Dewitt
Projection: #5 Pitcher/Long relief
Dewitt is an interesting pitcher. He has 2 very good pitches rated in the mid 80’s and one above average pitch. Just looking at that you would think he would be a solid #2 or #3 guy, but he is sadly not, this is mainly due to the fact he has average “control” and an average “vs righty” rating. He does have an above average “vs lefty” rating though, which is why he will likely be a #5 starter, but I can see him as a pretty useful long reliever as well with his 3 + pitches.
3rd round (pick 95) – Jerry Relaford
Projection: 1b/Bench
Relaford will hit definitely hit the long ball in the ML with his 93 rated “power”. He also has a great “eye”, so his OBP should be good as well. He will likely strikeout a bit as he has low contact, so think of a poor mans Adam Dunn with Relaford. He has an average “vs lefty” rating with a less than average “vs righty” rating, so I am not sure if St Louis will want to play him everyday. For the 95th pick, this is good value.
4th & 5th rounders - This is where St Louis has excelled in my opinion. Norman Stern is a steal in the 4th round, while he wont be throwing out many runners from behind the plate, he has good pitch calling skills that should help the pitchers. He is not a liability at the plate either, with a great “vs lefty” rating and an above average “vs righty” rating, I am surprised he fell this far in the draft. Orlando Fuentes is another great value guy as a 5th rounder. He will more than likely be platooned as his “vs righty” rating is only average, but he has a great “vs lefty” rating, and a great “contact” rating.
Toledo: Grade C-
Overall, Toledo had a disappointing draft. They did have a low 1st round pick and actually did well with it, but didn’t really get regular contributors in the later rounds to the ML squad. So they end up with 2.5 useful MLers in my opinion. It wasn’t a terrible draft, but not a great one either. Like my summary of their second pick, Dustan Shelby, I view Toledo’s draft as average.
1st round (pick 21) – Kelvin Seneca
Projection: 3b
With the 21st pick, Toledo made a solid one grabbing Seneca, who is labeled as a SS but will probably be more suited at 3b due to his lack of “range” and “glove” for that position. With above average “contact” and “vs lefty” to go along with his very good “vs righty” ratings he should be a solid starter for many years in Toledo’s lineup. His “batting eye” is really his only knock as it is at a poorly rated 39. He does have good speed and can run the bases though, and I think “batting eye” aside, this kid has the potential to be an All-Star 3b, although he may come up short due to lack of power. Overall though a good pick at #21.
2nd round (pick 73) – Dustan Shelby
4th OFer
Shelby doesn’t excel at anything, but he doesn’t stink at anything either offensively, thus making this an “eh” pick in my opinion. He does have some pop in his bat, and has great speed so that adds some value to him but his range and glove are not all that, meaning he will more than likely come off the bench to rest the starters with the occasional start mixed in. I think for a 2nd rounder this was a below value pick, only because I look for ML regular contributors in the 1-2 rounds of the draft and I don’t think Shelby is a regular in the lineup.
3rd round (pick 105) – Nick Lennon
Projection: AAA pitcher/ Mop up
Lennon has bad control, to go along with a low “vs lefty” rating and only 3 pitches. So that tells me he wont be cracking the rotation. He does have an above average “vs righty” rating, a superb “velocity” rating, and a very good 1st pitch, so there may be some value with him, although it is very little. Lennon will probably spend his career in purgatory, meaning somewhere between being used as long relief B, mop-up and AAA fodder.
4th & 5th rounders – Hiram Gao (SS) was selected in the 4th round, and will probably be used as a utility player in the bigs. He has an above average “vs lefty” rating to along with good range, great “arm strength”, and great “arm accuracy”. His glove is a little weak for SS but could pull it off if played sparingly. He is the type of player a team keeps on the roster just because he can play any position in a pinch. Their 5th rounder did not sign.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Predictions: AL West - Season Four (Special to the ABU Blog - hofma)
Albuquerque Minute Men (Las Vegas Aces)
Franchise Owner: mhulshult - Record: 1113-993 (.528)
Payroll: $89M
Last Season Record: 80-82 (.494)
Retired: None
Left Via Free Agency: None
Free Agent Signings: P Milton Collier, 3B Gil Morris, 1B Babe McDonald, P Jeff Langford, P Evan McNally, P Vladimir Shermann, 1B Tony Guerro, CF Eugene Dunston, P Benny Silva
Left Via Free Agent: 2B Bobby Joe Wagner, CF David Perry, LF Dennis Yoshii, P Lucas Brett, P Lon Payton, P Diego James, P Al Nieves, P Sherman Driskill, 2B Aurthus Larson, RF Toby Rooney, P Benny Parker, CF Damasco Ramirez, P Charley Wohlers
Trade for: None
Traded: None
Pitching Staff: Albuquerque offers three starting pitchers under the age of 26. The anchor of the staff is P Omar Lopez. Ps Don Dispenza, Evan Mcnally, Slick Forrest and Vladimir Sherman will round out the staff. P Cory May will close up games for them in his first year as full time closer. Look for the Albuquerque staff to be near the top of the league this year.
Position Players: New FA signings CF Eugene Dunston and 3B Gil Morris will lead this team. Albuquerque will need DH Walt Bennett to be a force in the middle of the lineup. SS Steven Conine will have to be the team's leader and inspire the rest of Albuquerque's mediocre defense.
Season Four Award Candidates: SP Omar Lopez – Cy Young
Analysis: While Albuquerque has seen a face lift this season, under new management, they still may be a year a way. If the veteran arms picked up in FA can come through, this team could make some noise. CF Eugene Dunston will need to stay healthy and all of the new FAs will have to contribute early. C Frank Wise could prove invaluable to the team's young, but promising, pitching staff.
Prediction: 3rd, Al West
***
Boise Pom Frittes
Franchise Owner: lefty32 - Overall Record: 7841-7225 (.520) and 3 World Series Titles
Payroll: $59M
Last Season Record: 84-78 (.519)
Retired: none
Left Via Free Agency: SS Felipe Castro, RF Max Arroyo, P Octavia Guerrero
Free Agent Signings: None
Trade for: SS B.J. Dye
Traded: 1B - Allan Osbourne
Pitching Staff: P Al Houck will, again, anchor this staff. Ps Ted Burns, Ricardo Armas, Carl Felson, and Carlos Encarcion round out a great starting rotation. P Glenn Newfield returns as one of the league's top closers and could serve as the glue for a fine bullpen.
Position Players: Boise will be led by young 3B Chad Hatcher. The team will need a huge year from him to compete. 1B Matthew Ashby and LF Paul Antonelli will also have to contribute. Defensively, SS Justin Herndon will have to light a fire under Boise's below-average defense.
Season Four Award Candidates: P Al Houck – Cy Young, P Glenn Newfield - Fireman of the Year
Analysis: Boise ownership decided not to make any significant moves, so far, this year. They elected, instead, to provide an opportunity for their young players to develop. The feeling here is this team is one year away, at the least, from competing for the AL West Division Title.
Prediction: 4th, AL West
***
Helena 64ers
Franchise Owner: hofma - Overall Record: 600-534 (.529)
Payroll: $81M
Last Season Record: 96-66 (.593)
Retired: none
Left Via Free Agency: CF Sean Beltran, 3B Josh Jodie, P Zip Carmona, P Scott Portugal, P Andrew Wright, P Richard Charles, LF Billy Ray Towers, P McKay Crawford, P Nefi Bell, 3B Jorge Delgado, P Marino Baez, RF Calvin Nelson
Free Agent Signings: P Ken Averill, P Hideki Kondou, 2B Marshall Whitaker, P Freddy George, 3B Fausto James
Trade for: P Tony Flores, P Joaquin Cordero
Traded: LF Sticky Mordecai
Pitching Staff: Helena has an almost completely new pitching corps. Returning Ps Paul Dye and Timothy Lyon are the key holdovers. Newly-signed Ps Freddy George and Hideki Kondou will need to be inning eaters for this staff to assure a successful transition. Young P Joseph Wang also will need to continue his development, as will several young members of the bullpen. Relatively-young P Tony Gandarilla will again close out games as one of the ABU's top arms.
Position Players: Helena will return many of the same hitters from a year ago. Newcomer Fausto James will bring his power bat an improved defense to the hot corner. His presence could leade to career years from 1B Travis Cooper and 2B Efrain Ogawa. C Kenneth Fischbach, however, could be the key to this year. His bat and handling of the pitching staff could mold Helena into a championship team.
Early Season Candidates: Paul Dye – Cy Young, Tony Gandarilla – Fireman of the Year, Efrain Ogawa - Most Valuable Player
Analysis: Helena took a calculated risk by not signing some of the key players from last year's division champs. Ownership, instead, decided to lower payroll. As an aging club, the 64ers will need to get dominant years out of Dye, Gandarilla, Cooper and Ogawa to remain in contention. They will also have to stay healthy, as there is not a lot of depth behind the starters.
Prediction: 1st, AL West
***
Vancouver Vendettas (Colorado Springs Sky Sox)
Franchise Owner: beerbellys - Overall Record: 856-926 (.480)
Payroll: $100M
Last Season Record: 94-68 (.580)
Retired: None
Left via Free Agency: None
Free Agent Signings: P Zip Carmona, P F.P. Valdes, 3B Josh Jodie
Left Via Free Agent: SS Enar Chavez, P Chris Comer, P Evan McNally, LF Antonio Hyun, 2B Willie Nieves, 1B Homer Thomas, LF Ken Doster, 3B Stuart Huskey, P Phil Clifton, C LaTroy Bradley, P Felipe Tavarez
Trade for: None
Traded: None
Pitching Staff: The pitching staff is made up of Ps Jose Benavente, Cookie Lee, David Rodriquez, and Jumbo Guerrero. The starting staff could be among the best in the league. The question is whether P Herbert Tomlin become a core member of this staff and P Antonio Suzuki becomes one of the better closers in the ABU.
Position Players: CF Ernie Maloney and LF Pat Governale will need to turn in career years. LF Matty Stanley and DH Jose Estrella should be solid, middle-of-the-lineup hitters. If SS Lonny Julio can raise the level of play in the field, Vancouver could be a real 'wild-card' in the division.
Season Four Award Candidates: Cookie Lee – Cy Young, Antonio Suzuki – Fireman of the Year, Pat Governale - Most Valuable Player
Analysis: Vancouver brought in several solid veterans who could play leading roles this year. The question is whether these moves are enough to overtake Helena. This is a solid team, which will compete all year and could be a tough draw in the playoffs.
Prediction: 2nd, AL West
Franchise Owner: mhulshult - Record: 1113-993 (.528)
Payroll: $89M
Last Season Record: 80-82 (.494)
Retired: None
Left Via Free Agency: None
Free Agent Signings: P Milton Collier, 3B Gil Morris, 1B Babe McDonald, P Jeff Langford, P Evan McNally, P Vladimir Shermann, 1B Tony Guerro, CF Eugene Dunston, P Benny Silva
Left Via Free Agent: 2B Bobby Joe Wagner, CF David Perry, LF Dennis Yoshii, P Lucas Brett, P Lon Payton, P Diego James, P Al Nieves, P Sherman Driskill, 2B Aurthus Larson, RF Toby Rooney, P Benny Parker, CF Damasco Ramirez, P Charley Wohlers
Trade for: None
Traded: None
Pitching Staff: Albuquerque offers three starting pitchers under the age of 26. The anchor of the staff is P Omar Lopez. Ps Don Dispenza, Evan Mcnally, Slick Forrest and Vladimir Sherman will round out the staff. P Cory May will close up games for them in his first year as full time closer. Look for the Albuquerque staff to be near the top of the league this year.
Position Players: New FA signings CF Eugene Dunston and 3B Gil Morris will lead this team. Albuquerque will need DH Walt Bennett to be a force in the middle of the lineup. SS Steven Conine will have to be the team's leader and inspire the rest of Albuquerque's mediocre defense.
Season Four Award Candidates: SP Omar Lopez – Cy Young
Analysis: While Albuquerque has seen a face lift this season, under new management, they still may be a year a way. If the veteran arms picked up in FA can come through, this team could make some noise. CF Eugene Dunston will need to stay healthy and all of the new FAs will have to contribute early. C Frank Wise could prove invaluable to the team's young, but promising, pitching staff.
Prediction: 3rd, Al West
***
Boise Pom Frittes
Franchise Owner: lefty32 - Overall Record: 7841-7225 (.520) and 3 World Series Titles
Payroll: $59M
Last Season Record: 84-78 (.519)
Retired: none
Left Via Free Agency: SS Felipe Castro, RF Max Arroyo, P Octavia Guerrero
Free Agent Signings: None
Trade for: SS B.J. Dye
Traded: 1B - Allan Osbourne
Pitching Staff: P Al Houck will, again, anchor this staff. Ps Ted Burns, Ricardo Armas, Carl Felson, and Carlos Encarcion round out a great starting rotation. P Glenn Newfield returns as one of the league's top closers and could serve as the glue for a fine bullpen.
Position Players: Boise will be led by young 3B Chad Hatcher. The team will need a huge year from him to compete. 1B Matthew Ashby and LF Paul Antonelli will also have to contribute. Defensively, SS Justin Herndon will have to light a fire under Boise's below-average defense.
Season Four Award Candidates: P Al Houck – Cy Young, P Glenn Newfield - Fireman of the Year
Analysis: Boise ownership decided not to make any significant moves, so far, this year. They elected, instead, to provide an opportunity for their young players to develop. The feeling here is this team is one year away, at the least, from competing for the AL West Division Title.
Prediction: 4th, AL West
***
Helena 64ers
Franchise Owner: hofma - Overall Record: 600-534 (.529)
Payroll: $81M
Last Season Record: 96-66 (.593)
Retired: none
Left Via Free Agency: CF Sean Beltran, 3B Josh Jodie, P Zip Carmona, P Scott Portugal, P Andrew Wright, P Richard Charles, LF Billy Ray Towers, P McKay Crawford, P Nefi Bell, 3B Jorge Delgado, P Marino Baez, RF Calvin Nelson
Free Agent Signings: P Ken Averill, P Hideki Kondou, 2B Marshall Whitaker, P Freddy George, 3B Fausto James
Trade for: P Tony Flores, P Joaquin Cordero
Traded: LF Sticky Mordecai
Pitching Staff: Helena has an almost completely new pitching corps. Returning Ps Paul Dye and Timothy Lyon are the key holdovers. Newly-signed Ps Freddy George and Hideki Kondou will need to be inning eaters for this staff to assure a successful transition. Young P Joseph Wang also will need to continue his development, as will several young members of the bullpen. Relatively-young P Tony Gandarilla will again close out games as one of the ABU's top arms.
Position Players: Helena will return many of the same hitters from a year ago. Newcomer Fausto James will bring his power bat an improved defense to the hot corner. His presence could leade to career years from 1B Travis Cooper and 2B Efrain Ogawa. C Kenneth Fischbach, however, could be the key to this year. His bat and handling of the pitching staff could mold Helena into a championship team.
Early Season Candidates: Paul Dye – Cy Young, Tony Gandarilla – Fireman of the Year, Efrain Ogawa - Most Valuable Player
Analysis: Helena took a calculated risk by not signing some of the key players from last year's division champs. Ownership, instead, decided to lower payroll. As an aging club, the 64ers will need to get dominant years out of Dye, Gandarilla, Cooper and Ogawa to remain in contention. They will also have to stay healthy, as there is not a lot of depth behind the starters.
Prediction: 1st, AL West
***
Vancouver Vendettas (Colorado Springs Sky Sox)
Franchise Owner: beerbellys - Overall Record: 856-926 (.480)
Payroll: $100M
Last Season Record: 94-68 (.580)
Retired: None
Left via Free Agency: None
Free Agent Signings: P Zip Carmona, P F.P. Valdes, 3B Josh Jodie
Left Via Free Agent: SS Enar Chavez, P Chris Comer, P Evan McNally, LF Antonio Hyun, 2B Willie Nieves, 1B Homer Thomas, LF Ken Doster, 3B Stuart Huskey, P Phil Clifton, C LaTroy Bradley, P Felipe Tavarez
Trade for: None
Traded: None
Pitching Staff: The pitching staff is made up of Ps Jose Benavente, Cookie Lee, David Rodriquez, and Jumbo Guerrero. The starting staff could be among the best in the league. The question is whether P Herbert Tomlin become a core member of this staff and P Antonio Suzuki becomes one of the better closers in the ABU.
Position Players: CF Ernie Maloney and LF Pat Governale will need to turn in career years. LF Matty Stanley and DH Jose Estrella should be solid, middle-of-the-lineup hitters. If SS Lonny Julio can raise the level of play in the field, Vancouver could be a real 'wild-card' in the division.
Season Four Award Candidates: Cookie Lee – Cy Young, Antonio Suzuki – Fireman of the Year, Pat Governale - Most Valuable Player
Analysis: Vancouver brought in several solid veterans who could play leading roles this year. The question is whether these moves are enough to overtake Helena. This is a solid team, which will compete all year and could be a tough draw in the playoffs.
Prediction: 2nd, AL West
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Eleven Questions for Pstrnutbag44 - Owner of the Fresno Fluffheads
1. How did you get into whatifsports?
I got a Promo Code back at the beginning of 2007 for playing Fox Sports Fantasy Baseball. It allowed me to try out SimLeagues Baseball (SLB) first, but found it wasn't exactly deep enough for me. I tried Hardball Dynasty (HBD - Major Leagues) later, and got hooked, fast!
2. How did you find out about the ABU? The "Save a World" thread.
After MikeT23 put the idea out there, the ABU was quick to send out some invites and show how dedicated they were to "saving" their world.
3. Who is pstrnutbag44?
A cat in a song. Also, a huge baseball and music fan in his late 20's. Anytime not spent on HBD is spent with his wonderful family (two boys, one girl, his lady and another boy on the way), working for the "Man", running around like mad or simply enjoying a good read.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
I am a huge Oakland Athletics fan - and have been since I was a kid watching McGwire, Canseco, Henderson, Weiss, Steinbach, etc. I am also a huge San Jose Sharks fan. It's great to be a fan of Hockey and Major League Baseball, as one gets you through the other's offseason.
5. How did you decide on your team name - the Fresno Fluffheads?
Fresno is where I am from and Fluffheads works - as it's alliterative and a great song.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
Arthur Wells is the guy I am most excited about, at this time. He projects to be a reliable workhorse in my bullpen. There's a lot to be said for a guy that can be dominant in the 'pen - and, possibly, durable enough to work 150+ innings.
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
This one is tough, as I have not had much of a chance to see them perform yet. I am looking for Luke Darnell and Jimmy Daneker to have outstanding offensive seasons, while I work hard to find this team a Pitching Ace to put at the top of the rotation.
8. Which of your trades, in Season 4, will help your team most?
The one I haven't made yet (isn't it always that way?). I hope to acquire a legitimate 'Ace' to help push this squad deep into the playoffs.
9. Will your team make the playoffs in Season 4?
Anything short of the playoffs will be a major disappointment to me.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
Short-term, this team has a chance to make a solid push towards the playoffs. However, my upper-level prospects may turn out to be 'busts'. The next wave of prospects, fortunately, looks very solid and will combine with whoever else I bring in to form the future of this franchise.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
I'd have to say the majority of my rivalries are in leagues that I am more established in. That said, it will be pretty fun to play in a league with some of these cats I have never played with before, especially some of the more known, talented owners.
I got a Promo Code back at the beginning of 2007 for playing Fox Sports Fantasy Baseball. It allowed me to try out SimLeagues Baseball (SLB) first, but found it wasn't exactly deep enough for me. I tried Hardball Dynasty (HBD - Major Leagues) later, and got hooked, fast!
2. How did you find out about the ABU? The "Save a World" thread.
After MikeT23 put the idea out there, the ABU was quick to send out some invites and show how dedicated they were to "saving" their world.
3. Who is pstrnutbag44?
A cat in a song. Also, a huge baseball and music fan in his late 20's. Anytime not spent on HBD is spent with his wonderful family (two boys, one girl, his lady and another boy on the way), working for the "Man", running around like mad or simply enjoying a good read.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
I am a huge Oakland Athletics fan - and have been since I was a kid watching McGwire, Canseco, Henderson, Weiss, Steinbach, etc. I am also a huge San Jose Sharks fan. It's great to be a fan of Hockey and Major League Baseball, as one gets you through the other's offseason.
5. How did you decide on your team name - the Fresno Fluffheads?
Fresno is where I am from and Fluffheads works - as it's alliterative and a great song.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
Arthur Wells is the guy I am most excited about, at this time. He projects to be a reliable workhorse in my bullpen. There's a lot to be said for a guy that can be dominant in the 'pen - and, possibly, durable enough to work 150+ innings.
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
This one is tough, as I have not had much of a chance to see them perform yet. I am looking for Luke Darnell and Jimmy Daneker to have outstanding offensive seasons, while I work hard to find this team a Pitching Ace to put at the top of the rotation.
8. Which of your trades, in Season 4, will help your team most?
The one I haven't made yet (isn't it always that way?). I hope to acquire a legitimate 'Ace' to help push this squad deep into the playoffs.
9. Will your team make the playoffs in Season 4?
Anything short of the playoffs will be a major disappointment to me.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
Short-term, this team has a chance to make a solid push towards the playoffs. However, my upper-level prospects may turn out to be 'busts'. The next wave of prospects, fortunately, looks very solid and will combine with whoever else I bring in to form the future of this franchise.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
I'd have to say the majority of my rivalries are in leagues that I am more established in. That said, it will be pretty fun to play in a league with some of these cats I have never played with before, especially some of the more known, talented owners.
Monday, December 8, 2008
New ABU Owner Profiles - Season Four (Special to the ABU Blog - pstrnutbag44)
ABU Team: Albuquerque Minute Men
Owner Name: mhulshult
Completed Seasons: 12
Regular Season Record: 1023-921
Post-Season Record: 26-27
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: UBA, Inc., Eckersley, Ott
ABU Team: Boston Clann MacGhille Mhuire
Owner Name: erffdogg
Completed Seasons: 62
Regular Season Record: 5394-4650
Post-Season Record: 136-131
World Series Championships: 5
Current Worlds: Hall Of Fame, Hometown, Minor Leagues, Cooperstown, Mike Greenwell, Lasorda, Happy Jack, Griffey, MLB, Moonlight Graham
ABU Team: Cincinnati Revolution
Owner Name: mfoster55
Completed Seasons: 13
Regular Season Record: 972-1134
Post-Season Record: 13-16
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Hardball Central, Duff Beer, The Bigs, Wright
ABU Team: Fresno Fluffheads
Owner Name: pstrnutbag44
Completed Seasons: 23
Regular Season Record: 1607-2119
Post-Season Record: 24-31
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Hardball Central, Hall Of Fame, CAPB, Kinsella, Major Leagues, Negro League, Rizzuto, Ryan, Griffey, Cochrane
ABU Team: Mexico City Hangovers
Owner Name: chazzzzzz
Completed Seasons: 39
Regular Season Record: 2997-3221
Post-Season Record: 40-37
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: The Bigs, Cooperstown, Capra, Mordecai, Morgan
ABU Team: Minnesota North Stars
Owner Name: crabman26
Completed Seasons: 20
Regular Season Record: 1800-1440
Post-Season Record: 63-53
World Series Championships: 2
Current Worlds: Moneyball, WIB, Guinness, Hot Stove
ABU Team: Nashville Hillbillies
Owner Name: hartjh14
Completed Seasons: 51
Regular Season Record: 3701-4561
Post-Season Record: 96-66
World Series Championships: 5
Current Worlds: Double Mendoza, Hall Of Fame, Guinness, Field Of Dreams, Mattingly, Hometown, No Quitters II, Pete Rose, OCD
ABU Team: Omaha Oracles
Owner Name: yoker70
Completed Seasons: 13
Regular Season Record: 948-1158
Post-Season Record: 11-13W
orld Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: mauer, Boston Tea Party, Mike Greenwell, Camp, Berra, Banks, MLB, Ruth, Mantle
ABU Team: Rochester Reign
Owner Name: jvford
Completed Seasons: 2
Regular Season Record: 136-188
Post-Season Record: 0-0
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Musial
ABU Team: San Juan Mojitos
Owner Name: csherwood
Completed Seasons: 42
Regular Season Record: 3758-3046
Post-Season Record: 134-101
World Series Championships: 5
Current Worlds: Moneyball, F.Y.C
ABU Team: St. Louis Slammers
Owner Name: MikeT23
Completed Seasons: 36
Regular Season Record: 3241-2591
Post-Season Record: 78-98
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Braggin Rights, Cooperstown, Happy Jack, Moonlight Graham
ABU Team: Trenton Thunder
Owner Name: jmagliaro
Completed Seasons: 6
Regular Season Record: 499-473
Post-Season Record: 12-7
World Series Championships: 1
Current Worlds: The Bigs, Centerfield, Mathewson
Of note amongst this group are some of the more prolific ownersin Hardball Dynasty. MikeT23 is possibly one of the most known users (dare I say, infamous?) in all of HBD. His idea led to the formation of the “Fixing Worlds” group, a group which will try and find worlds that need a little help and get their teams all back to respectability (.500 or better). He is one of the most knowledgeable owners in the game, however his lack of success in the playoffs is also legendary. Hartjh14 is another forum regular and is also another somewhat controversial figure. Often accused of being a tanker, hartjh14 plays his game his way and has a handful of titles to show off. Nice to see cats like these two get along so well for the greater good. Erffdogg is another very well known forum regular, although his peak days have passed since HBD ADMIN expressed a lot of displeasure over the relevance of some of his “posts”. Anyone who witnessed this cat in his prime knows very well to check a thread that erffy’s posted in, just in case he is up to his old tricks. Oh yeah, he’s won his fair share of WS titles as well. Another forum regular, csherwood, brings an outstanding track record in rebuilding with him. He is, after all, the author of the famous WKRP thread in the forums, a required reading for the users here who haven’t read through it yet. Jvford seems like the rookie of the group, but you’ve got to admire and take notice of a cat willing to take on a project such as this so early in his HBD career. Just those four owners alone have the potential to take a world from solid to elite. Along with the rest of these owners, all of which are top-quality, the overall quality of world ABU should increase exponentially thus increasing interest from other users in joining up the world in the future for long term. Besides, who could resist a team built up by abandoned-team-whore pstrnutbag44?
Owner Name: mhulshult
Completed Seasons: 12
Regular Season Record: 1023-921
Post-Season Record: 26-27
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: UBA, Inc., Eckersley, Ott
ABU Team: Boston Clann MacGhille Mhuire
Owner Name: erffdogg
Completed Seasons: 62
Regular Season Record: 5394-4650
Post-Season Record: 136-131
World Series Championships: 5
Current Worlds: Hall Of Fame, Hometown, Minor Leagues, Cooperstown, Mike Greenwell, Lasorda, Happy Jack, Griffey, MLB, Moonlight Graham
ABU Team: Cincinnati Revolution
Owner Name: mfoster55
Completed Seasons: 13
Regular Season Record: 972-1134
Post-Season Record: 13-16
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Hardball Central, Duff Beer, The Bigs, Wright
ABU Team: Fresno Fluffheads
Owner Name: pstrnutbag44
Completed Seasons: 23
Regular Season Record: 1607-2119
Post-Season Record: 24-31
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Hardball Central, Hall Of Fame, CAPB, Kinsella, Major Leagues, Negro League, Rizzuto, Ryan, Griffey, Cochrane
ABU Team: Mexico City Hangovers
Owner Name: chazzzzzz
Completed Seasons: 39
Regular Season Record: 2997-3221
Post-Season Record: 40-37
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: The Bigs, Cooperstown, Capra, Mordecai, Morgan
ABU Team: Minnesota North Stars
Owner Name: crabman26
Completed Seasons: 20
Regular Season Record: 1800-1440
Post-Season Record: 63-53
World Series Championships: 2
Current Worlds: Moneyball, WIB, Guinness, Hot Stove
ABU Team: Nashville Hillbillies
Owner Name: hartjh14
Completed Seasons: 51
Regular Season Record: 3701-4561
Post-Season Record: 96-66
World Series Championships: 5
Current Worlds: Double Mendoza, Hall Of Fame, Guinness, Field Of Dreams, Mattingly, Hometown, No Quitters II, Pete Rose, OCD
ABU Team: Omaha Oracles
Owner Name: yoker70
Completed Seasons: 13
Regular Season Record: 948-1158
Post-Season Record: 11-13W
orld Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: mauer, Boston Tea Party, Mike Greenwell, Camp, Berra, Banks, MLB, Ruth, Mantle
ABU Team: Rochester Reign
Owner Name: jvford
Completed Seasons: 2
Regular Season Record: 136-188
Post-Season Record: 0-0
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Musial
ABU Team: San Juan Mojitos
Owner Name: csherwood
Completed Seasons: 42
Regular Season Record: 3758-3046
Post-Season Record: 134-101
World Series Championships: 5
Current Worlds: Moneyball, F.Y.C
ABU Team: St. Louis Slammers
Owner Name: MikeT23
Completed Seasons: 36
Regular Season Record: 3241-2591
Post-Season Record: 78-98
World Series Championships: 0
Current Worlds: Braggin Rights, Cooperstown, Happy Jack, Moonlight Graham
ABU Team: Trenton Thunder
Owner Name: jmagliaro
Completed Seasons: 6
Regular Season Record: 499-473
Post-Season Record: 12-7
World Series Championships: 1
Current Worlds: The Bigs, Centerfield, Mathewson
Of note amongst this group are some of the more prolific ownersin Hardball Dynasty. MikeT23 is possibly one of the most known users (dare I say, infamous?) in all of HBD. His idea led to the formation of the “Fixing Worlds” group, a group which will try and find worlds that need a little help and get their teams all back to respectability (.500 or better). He is one of the most knowledgeable owners in the game, however his lack of success in the playoffs is also legendary. Hartjh14 is another forum regular and is also another somewhat controversial figure. Often accused of being a tanker, hartjh14 plays his game his way and has a handful of titles to show off. Nice to see cats like these two get along so well for the greater good. Erffdogg is another very well known forum regular, although his peak days have passed since HBD ADMIN expressed a lot of displeasure over the relevance of some of his “posts”. Anyone who witnessed this cat in his prime knows very well to check a thread that erffy’s posted in, just in case he is up to his old tricks. Oh yeah, he’s won his fair share of WS titles as well. Another forum regular, csherwood, brings an outstanding track record in rebuilding with him. He is, after all, the author of the famous WKRP thread in the forums, a required reading for the users here who haven’t read through it yet. Jvford seems like the rookie of the group, but you’ve got to admire and take notice of a cat willing to take on a project such as this so early in his HBD career. Just those four owners alone have the potential to take a world from solid to elite. Along with the rest of these owners, all of which are top-quality, the overall quality of world ABU should increase exponentially thus increasing interest from other users in joining up the world in the future for long term. Besides, who could resist a team built up by abandoned-team-whore pstrnutbag44?
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Eleven Questions for Ericksonp - Owner of the Tacoma Rainiers
1. How did you get into whatifsports?
I got into whatifsports about 5 years ago. I was looking for fantasy simulations for baseball in particular. I was obsessed with seeing how players from different decades would match up with each other.
2. How did you find out about the ABU?
When I first joined HBD, I went to the forums and asked about joining a new league. Our old commish, bdedon, then contacted me with an invite.
3. Who is ericksonp?
My name is Patrick Erickson. I am a Junior studying Radio and Television at Southern Illinois University (SIU). My hometown is Gig Harbor, Washington. I do broadcasts for SIU women's athletics on the radio and internet. I also work for the Tacoma Rainiers in the summer.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
My favorite sports are Major League Baseball, college basketball, professional football and soccer. I played soccer for twelve years, basketball for ten years, baseball for six years and track/cross country for five years. My favorite teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, the Seattle Sonics, SIU's teams, University of Illinois' teams, the St. Louis Blues, the Manchester United and the Seattle Sounders.
5. How did you decide on your team name?
I work for the Rainiers, so it just seemed right.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
Probably Santiago Mondesi - who has been a force to be reckoned with in each of this minor league stops. Mondesi is now in AAA, but he is very close to the majors. He will definitely get a September call-up. However, as my starters are all relatively young, Mondesi will have to be patient.
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
Ernest Jackson without a doubt. David Cruz would be second. But, Jackson has been my most consistent player for all three ABU seasons. He keeps our team in every game and even had a few clutch at-bats this year. Combined with Ron Alexander 's struggles, Jackson has almost single-handedly kept us in the running for a postseason bid.
8. Which of your three trades, in Season 3, was your favorite so far?
To be honest, I am a little disappointed with the trades so far....especially the first two. Danny Jefferson started extremely slow, but has been solid as of late. T.J. Branson was worthless. He is no longer with my team. He never did much of anything and was the 6th OF in the rotation. Joey Riggs so far has been solid for us in the middle of the lineup, so I am going to have to go with that one. I gave up 2 pitchers in exchange for a young OF who should be in our rotation for next five or six seasons.
9. After winning the World Series in Season 1, and making it to the DCS in Season 2, how will your team do in the playoffs this year?
Right now we are just trying to make the playoffs. I think this team is underachieving. For instance Thumper Harrison was lights out early this year and had an earned run average of under 1.50 at one point. However, our starting pitchers and set-up men were struggling. Now that our starters and set-up guys have finally settled down, Thumper has been inconsistent. My offense also has been really up-and-down. I think we may sneak into the playoffs. And I believe if we do we can win any series. The reason is quite simple: no team outside of Tucson, or maybe Salem, can match up with our top 3 starters. So I predict a return to the Divisional Championship Series, but no further this season.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
Short-term, my team should continue to contend for the playoffs although I am in the league's toughest division. In the medium term, we have a relatively young team. Shibata, Guzman and Harrison are all aging, however, so we will need to replace them to stay in contention. I really like our long-term prospects because 80% or more of our core players are just entering, or have yet to enter, their prime. Alex Castro could be a perennial all-star once his stamina improves.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
My biggest rivals are Salem and Tucson. We all go after each other every single season. Salem gave me one of the toughest playoff series in ABU history in the divisional championship during Season 1. Salem is aging, however, so I look for Tucson to become our main rival.
I got into whatifsports about 5 years ago. I was looking for fantasy simulations for baseball in particular. I was obsessed with seeing how players from different decades would match up with each other.
2. How did you find out about the ABU?
When I first joined HBD, I went to the forums and asked about joining a new league. Our old commish, bdedon, then contacted me with an invite.
3. Who is ericksonp?
My name is Patrick Erickson. I am a Junior studying Radio and Television at Southern Illinois University (SIU). My hometown is Gig Harbor, Washington. I do broadcasts for SIU women's athletics on the radio and internet. I also work for the Tacoma Rainiers in the summer.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
My favorite sports are Major League Baseball, college basketball, professional football and soccer. I played soccer for twelve years, basketball for ten years, baseball for six years and track/cross country for five years. My favorite teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, the Seattle Sonics, SIU's teams, University of Illinois' teams, the St. Louis Blues, the Manchester United and the Seattle Sounders.
5. How did you decide on your team name?
I work for the Rainiers, so it just seemed right.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
Probably Santiago Mondesi - who has been a force to be reckoned with in each of this minor league stops. Mondesi is now in AAA, but he is very close to the majors. He will definitely get a September call-up. However, as my starters are all relatively young, Mondesi will have to be patient.
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
Ernest Jackson without a doubt. David Cruz would be second. But, Jackson has been my most consistent player for all three ABU seasons. He keeps our team in every game and even had a few clutch at-bats this year. Combined with Ron Alexander 's struggles, Jackson has almost single-handedly kept us in the running for a postseason bid.
8. Which of your three trades, in Season 3, was your favorite so far?
To be honest, I am a little disappointed with the trades so far....especially the first two. Danny Jefferson started extremely slow, but has been solid as of late. T.J. Branson was worthless. He is no longer with my team. He never did much of anything and was the 6th OF in the rotation. Joey Riggs so far has been solid for us in the middle of the lineup, so I am going to have to go with that one. I gave up 2 pitchers in exchange for a young OF who should be in our rotation for next five or six seasons.
9. After winning the World Series in Season 1, and making it to the DCS in Season 2, how will your team do in the playoffs this year?
Right now we are just trying to make the playoffs. I think this team is underachieving. For instance Thumper Harrison was lights out early this year and had an earned run average of under 1.50 at one point. However, our starting pitchers and set-up men were struggling. Now that our starters and set-up guys have finally settled down, Thumper has been inconsistent. My offense also has been really up-and-down. I think we may sneak into the playoffs. And I believe if we do we can win any series. The reason is quite simple: no team outside of Tucson, or maybe Salem, can match up with our top 3 starters. So I predict a return to the Divisional Championship Series, but no further this season.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
Short-term, my team should continue to contend for the playoffs although I am in the league's toughest division. In the medium term, we have a relatively young team. Shibata, Guzman and Harrison are all aging, however, so we will need to replace them to stay in contention. I really like our long-term prospects because 80% or more of our core players are just entering, or have yet to enter, their prime. Alex Castro could be a perennial all-star once his stamina improves.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
My biggest rivals are Salem and Tucson. We all go after each other every single season. Salem gave me one of the toughest playoff series in ABU history in the divisional championship during Season 1. Salem is aging, however, so I look for Tucson to become our main rival.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Eleven Questions for Mumcoach - Owner of the New Britain Nut Busters
1. How did you get into whatifsports?
I was on an Ohio high school sports website (yappi.com) and came across a thread talking about WIS. I checked it out, waited for what seemed like - FOREVER - to get into a GD world and I've been here since.
2. How did you find out about the ABU?
I was looking through the classifieds - out of boredom more than anything else. I noticed the ABU thread and a league blog was mentioned. I didn't really want another team, but I was interested in the league blog idea, as none of my other leagues have one.
3. Who is mumcoach?
I'm a 33 year old teacher and baseball coach in southwest Ohio. I've been married for coming up on 3 years and do not have children of my own yet. My wife and I are in no hurry for that day: as she is a teacher as well. We like to say we have 50 plus kids between us every year.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
My favorite sport to watch on tv is football, especially college football. I was an Auburn fan growing up, but my best friend was a Buckeye fan. We always watched college football together and found ourselves in New Orleans for the '98 Sugar Bowl (OSU vs. Texas A&M). That got me liking the Bucks. He passed away that following summer and I've been a diehard Buckeye fan ever since. My way of keeping his spirit alive.
5. How did you decide on your team name?
No great story here. I didn't like the name of the New Britain team when I came on board (forget what it was) and thought the New Britain Nut Busters sounded cool.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
I wish I could mention some of my young ML players here, but since it's the minors .......... Bruce Hurst and Quinn Bell would be my top two. Not world beaters, but they'll be fairly solid.
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
Max Ortiz takes this title. I rushed him to the 'bigs' last season and he responded to the challenge. This season he has done nothing but add to his success at the ML level. At only 20 years old, he is sure to be a Hall of Famer - if that ever gets added to HBD. Raul Coronado would be next in line. He is every bit as good as Ortiz, but this aging star doesn't have the number of years left in the tank as the young stud.
8. Which of your four trades, in Season 3, was your favorite so far?
My huge deal with hofma was one of my favorite deals of all time. Not the best deal I've made, but my favorite. We worked for days on that deal and it just kept getting bigger. Then, to top it off, one of the players involved got hurt and ruined one part of the deal. Instead of shelving the entire idea, we just went back to the table and worked around the issue. I ended up giving him a couple huge bats, a couple nice pitchers and prospects. I filled a huge hole in my lineup by picking up Carlos Coronado to play 3B - along with some other prospects and pieces to the ML puzzle.
9. After winning the World Series in your first year in the ABU (Season 2), and making several bold trades in Season 3, how will your team do in the playoffs this year (Season 3)?
My team is built for the playoffs. I traded away quality #3 and #4 pitchers last season to give myself enough offense and defense to make a run with the pitchers I had left. I'm in a brutal division, so the playoffs certainly isn't a done deal. If I do make it in, I like my chances to be competitive, though.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
We look good short term. With key players locked up and a reasonable payroll, I can go after another quality SP in the offseason to hopefully improve the team. Medium and long-term are always fuzzy in this game. You never know how things are going to turn out with other teams improving, injuries, etc. I really like the young position players I have, I just have to find some arms to replace my current pitchers - who are going to get old on me.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
I'd have to say 7yankees7. He is top dog in the division and we had a great postseason series last year.
I was on an Ohio high school sports website (yappi.com) and came across a thread talking about WIS. I checked it out, waited for what seemed like - FOREVER - to get into a GD world and I've been here since.
2. How did you find out about the ABU?
I was looking through the classifieds - out of boredom more than anything else. I noticed the ABU thread and a league blog was mentioned. I didn't really want another team, but I was interested in the league blog idea, as none of my other leagues have one.
3. Who is mumcoach?
I'm a 33 year old teacher and baseball coach in southwest Ohio. I've been married for coming up on 3 years and do not have children of my own yet. My wife and I are in no hurry for that day: as she is a teacher as well. We like to say we have 50 plus kids between us every year.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
My favorite sport to watch on tv is football, especially college football. I was an Auburn fan growing up, but my best friend was a Buckeye fan. We always watched college football together and found ourselves in New Orleans for the '98 Sugar Bowl (OSU vs. Texas A&M). That got me liking the Bucks. He passed away that following summer and I've been a diehard Buckeye fan ever since. My way of keeping his spirit alive.
5. How did you decide on your team name?
No great story here. I didn't like the name of the New Britain team when I came on board (forget what it was) and thought the New Britain Nut Busters sounded cool.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
I wish I could mention some of my young ML players here, but since it's the minors .......... Bruce Hurst and Quinn Bell would be my top two. Not world beaters, but they'll be fairly solid.
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
Max Ortiz takes this title. I rushed him to the 'bigs' last season and he responded to the challenge. This season he has done nothing but add to his success at the ML level. At only 20 years old, he is sure to be a Hall of Famer - if that ever gets added to HBD. Raul Coronado would be next in line. He is every bit as good as Ortiz, but this aging star doesn't have the number of years left in the tank as the young stud.
8. Which of your four trades, in Season 3, was your favorite so far?
My huge deal with hofma was one of my favorite deals of all time. Not the best deal I've made, but my favorite. We worked for days on that deal and it just kept getting bigger. Then, to top it off, one of the players involved got hurt and ruined one part of the deal. Instead of shelving the entire idea, we just went back to the table and worked around the issue. I ended up giving him a couple huge bats, a couple nice pitchers and prospects. I filled a huge hole in my lineup by picking up Carlos Coronado to play 3B - along with some other prospects and pieces to the ML puzzle.
9. After winning the World Series in your first year in the ABU (Season 2), and making several bold trades in Season 3, how will your team do in the playoffs this year (Season 3)?
My team is built for the playoffs. I traded away quality #3 and #4 pitchers last season to give myself enough offense and defense to make a run with the pitchers I had left. I'm in a brutal division, so the playoffs certainly isn't a done deal. If I do make it in, I like my chances to be competitive, though.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
We look good short term. With key players locked up and a reasonable payroll, I can go after another quality SP in the offseason to hopefully improve the team. Medium and long-term are always fuzzy in this game. You never know how things are going to turn out with other teams improving, injuries, etc. I really like the young position players I have, I just have to find some arms to replace my current pitchers - who are going to get old on me.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
I'd have to say 7yankees7. He is top dog in the division and we had a great postseason series last year.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Eleven Questions for Hofma - ABU Commissioner and Helena Owner
Today’s questions are for hofma - owner of the Helena 64ers. He is also the ABU commissioner and has been with the league since Season 1.
1. How did you get into whatifsports?
I found a link for whatifsports on foxsports.com. At the time, I was in a lot of fantasy leagues and was getting bored with the normal leagues. I initially got started with Gridiron Dynasty. After starting that I tried a season of Hardball Dynasty. After the first season I was overwhelmed and quit. I continued Gridiron Dynasty but quickly got bored with the monotony. It was the start of spring training, and I was getting the itch for fantasy baseball, so I gave it another shot. I joined the ABU and became quickly addicted to the game. I have since tried a few other leagues but I have found out the only way to play HBD is from the beginning of a league. I am now in two: the ABU and the High Fives.
2. How did you find out about the ABU?
I found ABU in the Hardball Dynasty classifieds. It was a new league, with a new commish, and it sounded like a fun league to join. The classified ad quickly turned to telling stories about the host city and it sounded like a good group of owners to start a new league with. I also liked the original league theme, which was small stadiums and markets.
3. Who is hofma?
I am a 28 years old and I live in Madison (South Dakota), which is on the eastern side of the state. I am a civil engineer for Electrical Cooperative. I just took this job about two months ago and moved across the state to take it (at about the start of season 3). I really like it so far. I am married with 2 kids: a 4 year old and a 1 year old. My main hobbies revolve around sports, but my current favorite is golf. I have played fantasy sports for 10 years and my wife hates every minute of it. I actually took over commish of the league this season because bdedon needed some time away from the game. I couldn't have picked a worse time, however, and I probably did a horrible job because of the move and new job. I promise to do a better job as commish in Season 4.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
I am a huge fan of football and baseball. I love the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. With no professional sports teams in SD, the Minnesota teams become our teams (at least on the eastern side of the state). Also, I played a ton if sports as a kid. Baseball, football, wrestling and track. I was even lucky enough to continue with football in college.
5. How did you decide on your team name?
I took Helena because I wanted a team close to me that was based in a small town. After I decided on Helena, I did a little research and realized that the town was founded in 1864 (when gold was discovered in the area). So to take a little bit from the San Francisco 49ers, I came up with the Helena 64ers.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
To be honest I really don’t have many top prospects. My farm system is very picked over, as I continue trading to improve my ML roster. My minor league teams are winning, but with a lot of middle-tier players. The Helena 64ers are a big budget team and I think they operate in much the same way as the early 2000 Yankees (trading young players to get ML players). I have a lot of talented young players who are on my ML squad. But if I had to pick a prospect, which I value a lot in my farm system, it would be Tommie Shouse. He has rocketed through my system since being drafted in season one. He is currently on the AAA roster and was a late season call up last season. Due to the trades that I made with New Britain, however, I do not know when Shouse will be called up (as he is blocked by the DH I received for Earl Lankford).
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
I have a lot of very good players, but not a single dominant one. I don’t have a guy who sticks out, which may be the reason I haven’t had much success in the playoffs. Until this year I have been mostly a good hitting team, but with free agent signings and a couple of trades, I have really strengthened my pitching this year. With that in mind, I would say - even though his numbers don’t reflect it - my MVP is Tony Grandarilla. He has come in and solidified my closer role, which has been a closer-by-committee the last two seasons. This has allowed my other guys to take on middle relief and setup roles and let me move Andrew Wright to a SP role. Grandarilla is also the only Helena player on the All-Star roster.
8. Which of your four trades, in Season 3, was your favorite so far?
I really had only three trades as one was a multi-deal trade. I think all of the trades have paid off for me, but I think my best deal was with New Britain. I gave up a great player in Carlos Coronado (who was, previously, my favorite ABU player) and a couple of great role players, but I received a #1 starter in Paul Dye and a couple of great hitters in Earl Lankford and Kenneth Fischbach. It was a great deal for us both.
9. After making the playoffs in Season 1, and struggling in Season 2, you turned it around and have become a top team in Season 3 (#2 in the ABU Power Poll)? What have you done to get your team on track?
Well, I think the trades I made this season have been critical to my success. I learned that you have to give up good players to get good players. I also learned good pitching, and a good defense, go a long way. I still have a long way to go: as I have yet to win a playoff series.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
Well I hope that my team continues to play well. I have been a bit surprised at my team, so far this season, but I think I have made some good moves. I think this team has a chance to make some noise in the playoffs, but I think they are still a SP away. Long-term, I am excited to see this team grow. I have a lot of money coming off the budget this year. I also have a few players going into Free Agency, which I will have to make decisions on. All five of my current SP are free agents after this season and are getting old. It is also going to be a very expensive Arbitration year: as most of my young ML players are up for arbitration. But, with a lot of salary coming off of the books, I will have a chance to sign some of my young players long-term. I plan to continue with my current model and try to add a few more young players. With the success my club has had, and my young core, I will continue to build through trades and free agency rather than the draft.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
Well, there are three managers in my division, which have stayed from the beginning, and we seem to rotate who is on top. Even though lefty32 is having a down season he is a great owner with a lot of experience. As for your question, I don’t know if he feels the same way, but chase39 has been my biggest rival. It seems like we both are getting our feet wet in the ABU, and we both made some mistakes early, but have made adjustments. It seems like one of us is always is in the chase, and we always play each other tough. We have even had some disagreements over trades in the past. I look forward to continuing to compete, year-after-year, with chase39.
1. How did you get into whatifsports?
I found a link for whatifsports on foxsports.com. At the time, I was in a lot of fantasy leagues and was getting bored with the normal leagues. I initially got started with Gridiron Dynasty. After starting that I tried a season of Hardball Dynasty. After the first season I was overwhelmed and quit. I continued Gridiron Dynasty but quickly got bored with the monotony. It was the start of spring training, and I was getting the itch for fantasy baseball, so I gave it another shot. I joined the ABU and became quickly addicted to the game. I have since tried a few other leagues but I have found out the only way to play HBD is from the beginning of a league. I am now in two: the ABU and the High Fives.
2. How did you find out about the ABU?
I found ABU in the Hardball Dynasty classifieds. It was a new league, with a new commish, and it sounded like a fun league to join. The classified ad quickly turned to telling stories about the host city and it sounded like a good group of owners to start a new league with. I also liked the original league theme, which was small stadiums and markets.
3. Who is hofma?
I am a 28 years old and I live in Madison (South Dakota), which is on the eastern side of the state. I am a civil engineer for Electrical Cooperative. I just took this job about two months ago and moved across the state to take it (at about the start of season 3). I really like it so far. I am married with 2 kids: a 4 year old and a 1 year old. My main hobbies revolve around sports, but my current favorite is golf. I have played fantasy sports for 10 years and my wife hates every minute of it. I actually took over commish of the league this season because bdedon needed some time away from the game. I couldn't have picked a worse time, however, and I probably did a horrible job because of the move and new job. I promise to do a better job as commish in Season 4.
4. What are your favorite sports and/or sports teams?
I am a huge fan of football and baseball. I love the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. With no professional sports teams in SD, the Minnesota teams become our teams (at least on the eastern side of the state). Also, I played a ton if sports as a kid. Baseball, football, wrestling and track. I was even lucky enough to continue with football in college.
5. How did you decide on your team name?
I took Helena because I wanted a team close to me that was based in a small town. After I decided on Helena, I did a little research and realized that the town was founded in 1864 (when gold was discovered in the area). So to take a little bit from the San Francisco 49ers, I came up with the Helena 64ers.
6. What player, in your ABU minor league system, has the most potential to be a star and why?
To be honest I really don’t have many top prospects. My farm system is very picked over, as I continue trading to improve my ML roster. My minor league teams are winning, but with a lot of middle-tier players. The Helena 64ers are a big budget team and I think they operate in much the same way as the early 2000 Yankees (trading young players to get ML players). I have a lot of talented young players who are on my ML squad. But if I had to pick a prospect, which I value a lot in my farm system, it would be Tommie Shouse. He has rocketed through my system since being drafted in season one. He is currently on the AAA roster and was a late season call up last season. Due to the trades that I made with New Britain, however, I do not know when Shouse will be called up (as he is blocked by the DH I received for Earl Lankford).
7. Who is your ABU Franchise Player and/or team MVP?
I have a lot of very good players, but not a single dominant one. I don’t have a guy who sticks out, which may be the reason I haven’t had much success in the playoffs. Until this year I have been mostly a good hitting team, but with free agent signings and a couple of trades, I have really strengthened my pitching this year. With that in mind, I would say - even though his numbers don’t reflect it - my MVP is Tony Grandarilla. He has come in and solidified my closer role, which has been a closer-by-committee the last two seasons. This has allowed my other guys to take on middle relief and setup roles and let me move Andrew Wright to a SP role. Grandarilla is also the only Helena player on the All-Star roster.
8. Which of your four trades, in Season 3, was your favorite so far?
I really had only three trades as one was a multi-deal trade. I think all of the trades have paid off for me, but I think my best deal was with New Britain. I gave up a great player in Carlos Coronado (who was, previously, my favorite ABU player) and a couple of great role players, but I received a #1 starter in Paul Dye and a couple of great hitters in Earl Lankford and Kenneth Fischbach. It was a great deal for us both.
9. After making the playoffs in Season 1, and struggling in Season 2, you turned it around and have become a top team in Season 3 (#2 in the ABU Power Poll)? What have you done to get your team on track?
Well, I think the trades I made this season have been critical to my success. I learned that you have to give up good players to get good players. I also learned good pitching, and a good defense, go a long way. I still have a long way to go: as I have yet to win a playoff series.
10. What are your team's prospects in the short, medium and long-term?
Well I hope that my team continues to play well. I have been a bit surprised at my team, so far this season, but I think I have made some good moves. I think this team has a chance to make some noise in the playoffs, but I think they are still a SP away. Long-term, I am excited to see this team grow. I have a lot of money coming off the budget this year. I also have a few players going into Free Agency, which I will have to make decisions on. All five of my current SP are free agents after this season and are getting old. It is also going to be a very expensive Arbitration year: as most of my young ML players are up for arbitration. But, with a lot of salary coming off of the books, I will have a chance to sign some of my young players long-term. I plan to continue with my current model and try to add a few more young players. With the success my club has had, and my young core, I will continue to build through trades and free agency rather than the draft.
11. Who is your biggest ABU rival?
Well, there are three managers in my division, which have stayed from the beginning, and we seem to rotate who is on top. Even though lefty32 is having a down season he is a great owner with a lot of experience. As for your question, I don’t know if he feels the same way, but chase39 has been my biggest rival. It seems like we both are getting our feet wet in the ABU, and we both made some mistakes early, but have made adjustments. It seems like one of us is always is in the chase, and we always play each other tough. We have even had some disagreements over trades in the past. I look forward to continuing to compete, year-after-year, with chase39.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ABU Draft Review - Top Five - Season 2
Year of the Buckeye - ABU Draft 2
1) C Derek Shaw, Drafted by: Charlotte, Current Team: Charlotte
A former Cuyahoga Community College (OH) catcher, Shaw has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks while maintaining his prodigious power. He had 34 homers in only 298 at-bats last year.
2) 2B Tony Machado, Drafted by: Santa Fe, Current Team: Santa Fe
Machado, a standout prep player from North Baltimore (OH) High School, has quickly developed into the top position-playing prospect in the Santa Fe Flames minor league system. Machado will be brought along slowly and is not projected to reach the majors for a few years.
3) RP Fernando Flores, Drafted by: Madison, Current Team: Santa Fe
The first relief pitcher taken in last year's draft, Flores has the potential to become a star. His ability to effectively locate pitches, which is complemented by an explosive fastball and a slider that blows away hitters, will assure continued success as Flores moves up the ranks.
4) RF Danny Gray, Drafted by: Fargo, Current Team: Cincinnati
An advanced hitting prospect, and one of several gems in the Fargo/Cincinnati farm system, Gray hit .402 last year with 16 homers and 108 RBI. He has not been able to build on this momentum, however, as Gray suffered a season-ending injury in Spring Training.
5) SS Neil Ryan, Drafted by: Burlington, Current Team: Buffalo
Ryan, the third Ohio native taken in the top-five, is a solid two-way player. His defense projects to be outstanding and his hitting potential is above average - except for his modest power. Ryan is also a quick study and has been promoted two levels, to High A, this year.
1) C Derek Shaw, Drafted by: Charlotte, Current Team: Charlotte
A former Cuyahoga Community College (OH) catcher, Shaw has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks while maintaining his prodigious power. He had 34 homers in only 298 at-bats last year.
2) 2B Tony Machado, Drafted by: Santa Fe, Current Team: Santa Fe
Machado, a standout prep player from North Baltimore (OH) High School, has quickly developed into the top position-playing prospect in the Santa Fe Flames minor league system. Machado will be brought along slowly and is not projected to reach the majors for a few years.
3) RP Fernando Flores, Drafted by: Madison, Current Team: Santa Fe
The first relief pitcher taken in last year's draft, Flores has the potential to become a star. His ability to effectively locate pitches, which is complemented by an explosive fastball and a slider that blows away hitters, will assure continued success as Flores moves up the ranks.
4) RF Danny Gray, Drafted by: Fargo, Current Team: Cincinnati
An advanced hitting prospect, and one of several gems in the Fargo/Cincinnati farm system, Gray hit .402 last year with 16 homers and 108 RBI. He has not been able to build on this momentum, however, as Gray suffered a season-ending injury in Spring Training.
5) SS Neil Ryan, Drafted by: Burlington, Current Team: Buffalo
Ryan, the third Ohio native taken in the top-five, is a solid two-way player. His defense projects to be outstanding and his hitting potential is above average - except for his modest power. Ryan is also a quick study and has been promoted two levels, to High A, this year.
ABU Draft Review - Top Five - Season 1
Year of the Pitcher - ABU Draft 1
1) SS Stephen McIntosh, Drafted by: Oklahoma, Current Team: Charleston
In his third season with Oklahoma/Charleston, McIntosh has become a regular on the big league club. His solid fielding and above average hitting make McIntosh a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.
2) SP Ernest Broome, Drafted by: Sacramento, Current Team: New Britain
After only a single game in the minor leagues, Broome has quickly adjusted to life in the major leagues. He has pitched at least 113.1 innings each of his first two seasons and hopes to improve on this total with his new team - the defending ABU champion Nut Busters.
3) RP Gary Cash, Drafted by: Tucson, Current Team: Tucson
Cash has been brought along more slowly than some of the other top picks. This approach could prove wise - as the hard-throwing relief pitcher was very successful, and a double award-winner, last year.
4) SP Chip Reese, Drafted by: Montgomery, Current Team: Montgomery
Montgomery carefully monitored Reese's innings and pitch counts during his first year as a professional. However, last year, ownership decided to take a more aggressive approach: Reese pitched 90 innings more than he had in Season 1. It remains to be seen what effect, if any, this drastic increase in innings will have on his development going forward.
5) SP Dennis Huang, Drafted by: Boise, Current Team: Boise
Already a two-time All-Star, Huang has what it takes to reach the majors in the next year or so. With above-average control and solid splits, Huang will dominate at higher levels - as his skills develop.
1) SS Stephen McIntosh, Drafted by: Oklahoma, Current Team: Charleston
In his third season with Oklahoma/Charleston, McIntosh has become a regular on the big league club. His solid fielding and above average hitting make McIntosh a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.
2) SP Ernest Broome, Drafted by: Sacramento, Current Team: New Britain
After only a single game in the minor leagues, Broome has quickly adjusted to life in the major leagues. He has pitched at least 113.1 innings each of his first two seasons and hopes to improve on this total with his new team - the defending ABU champion Nut Busters.
3) RP Gary Cash, Drafted by: Tucson, Current Team: Tucson
Cash has been brought along more slowly than some of the other top picks. This approach could prove wise - as the hard-throwing relief pitcher was very successful, and a double award-winner, last year.
4) SP Chip Reese, Drafted by: Montgomery, Current Team: Montgomery
Montgomery carefully monitored Reese's innings and pitch counts during his first year as a professional. However, last year, ownership decided to take a more aggressive approach: Reese pitched 90 innings more than he had in Season 1. It remains to be seen what effect, if any, this drastic increase in innings will have on his development going forward.
5) SP Dennis Huang, Drafted by: Boise, Current Team: Boise
Already a two-time All-Star, Huang has what it takes to reach the majors in the next year or so. With above-average control and solid splits, Huang will dominate at higher levels - as his skills develop.
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